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Editor’s note
“We can’t kill our way out of this mess,” Mitt Romney said during this week’s presidential campaign debate on foreign policy. Truer words were never spoken by the Republican candidate, who went on to make clear that he supports assassinations, drone strikes and “taking out” Osama bin Laden.

The needle and the records won
San Francisco, city and club, are famously tolerant of people who don’t play by the book, but Major League Baseball tolerates it only among its umpires. The game’s poobahs have ruled that a player who uses the same sort of methods to win a job on a big-league club that its owners used to acquire it is anathema.

Young women, grab the power. Vote.
As a college sophomore and college professor, we often talk with young women about national politics. Too frequently, we hear them say that politics is too intimidating and complex to understand or too messy to want to get involved in.

The dirty little secret of private equity profits
Today, for the first time, I am officially notifying the honchos of Bain Capital, Blackstone Group, Carlyle Group, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and other big-time private equity funds that I am available. My little company, Saddle Burr Productions, can be had.

LETTERS
The district spokesman keeps the curtain tightly drawn by mentioning “base costs” and ignoring that the new school total cost will exceed $10 million, which the district must borrow using Health and Life Safety Funding (without a public referendum). Mr.

Third-party candidates even lose to jailbirds
Ever since I published a poll last month showing indicted former state Rep. Derrick Smith, D-Chicago, leading third party candidate Lance Tyson in the 10th Illinois House District race by a mind-boggling 47 percent to 9 percent, there’s been a lot of grumbling about how Chicago voters ought to know better.

OUTDOOR DINING, RESTAURANT DISCOVERED THIS YEAR, NEW BUSINESS
500 S. Sixth St., 670-0627 Springfield’s first brewpub had a low-key opening last February. It was about the only decent restaurant in town that wasn’t packed for Valentine’s Day as owners Court and Karen Conn opened the doors with a limited menu owing to the kitchen not yet having passed all required city inspections.

Best of Springfield 2012
Often the news business takes us to the worst of Springfi eld, so we look forward every year to this edition, which brings you the best. In these pages, 72 of them this week, we celebrate our readers’ choices in more than 100 categories for the best in food and drink, music and theater, businesses, personalities and a whole lot more.

BEST DOWNTOWN DINING
801 East Monroe St., 544-2523 What do you say about a restaurant that is voted Best of Springfield year after year? Well, we say that if you have not dined at Saputo’s Italian Restaurant than you are missing out on a Springfield staple.

BEST PLACE FOR A GROWN-UP PARTY
Floyd’s Thirst Parlor 212 South Fifth St., 622-9992 They say you’re never told old for a party. And Floyd’s Thirst Parlor proves just that.

BEST RESTAURANT OFF THE BEATEN PATH
1900 South 15th St., 528-0503 Tucked away on Springfield’s east side is a gem. Old Luxemburg is a quaint and cozy establishment with a retro feel. Since we were unfamiliar with the 50-year-old establishment, we decided to find out what voters already know.

BEST CHINESE FOOD
1889 East Sangamon Avenue, 789-0800 Last year, they shared the crown but this year, voters have spoken loud and clear and have declared China Star, with its extensive menu of Hunan, Szechuan, Cantonese and Thai-style dishes, the best. From Lo Mein and Chow Mein, to fried rice and egg foo young, China Star has more than 150 dishes to choose from.

Panera Bread
3019 South Dirksen Parkway, 527-6200 3110 West White Oaks Drive, 726-5070 The fact that Panera Bread receives first place or runner-up in several BOS categories each year tells us that voters know where to go for the most scrumptious breads and pastries in town.

BEST PLACE FOR A DATE
Whether it’s the first date or an anniversary dinner, Bella Milano is sure to impress. The quiet, swanky atmosphere is like a muted jazz trumpet: reserved and measured, but still able to grab your attention. That’s to say nothing of the food, which is modeled after the Italian food found in The Hill neighborhood of St.

BEST ITALIAN BEST RESTAURANT FOR A ROMANTIC DINNER
Bella Milano 4525 Wabash Ave., 547-0011 You might say that Bella Milano offers diners a “two-for-one.” First, the dark décor, which is beautifully accented with mood lighting and soft, relaxing music, creates an elegantly intimate setting sure to make any date feel special.

BEST GYROS
2907 South MacArthur, 698-6463 This marks the fifth consecutive year that Gyro Stop has won best gyro. In addition to the traditional gyro sandwich – heaping strips of lamb, onion and tomato, piled high on pita bread, and topped with tzatziki cucumber sauce – Gyro Stop also serves a Western, chicken, and horseshoe gyro, as well as a gyro salad.

BEST CHILI
820 South Ninth St., 522-3722 When Joe Rogers created what he deemed the “perfect” chili in 1945, he was eager to share it with fellow Springfield residents. Thus, he opened Joe Rogers’ Original Recipe.

BEST PLACE FOR A WORKING LUNCH BEST CUPCAKES
Café Moxo 411 East Adams, 788-8084 We were a bit surprised to see Café Moxo take top honors in both the best cupcake and best place for a working lunch. Not that the cupcakes and other food items are not fabulous. But as cupcake lovers, we couldn’t fathom working while surrounded by the scrumptious treats.

BEST CHICKEN WINGS
2808 North Dirksen Parkway, 670-0048 4420 West Wabash Ave., 546-9453 Wing lovers have spoken and we’re not surprised to see that they have once again declared Buffalo Wild Wings the winner of our best wings category.

BEST SOUP
300 East Laurel, 528-9629 It sounds like a place where you might pick up food for farm animals. But one taste of The Feed Store’s delicious soups and you’ll definitely conclude that it’s feed fit for a king, or at least a governor.

BEST BURGERS
2161 Chatham Road, 787-3700 One bite into a burger and you will easily taste how newly-opened Smashburger was able to blow into town and snatch the crown of best burger. Smashburger offers grilled sandwiches with “fresh, never-frozen, ground beef,” but so do others.

MOST ORIGINAL MENU
2161 Chatham Road, 787-3700 When American Harvest Eatery owner August Mrozowski sat down with executive chef Jordan Coffey and sous chef Aurora Coffey, the three had one concept in mind: Create dishes that have a modern play on classic American dishes, while using local farmers to provide the ingredients.

BEST BREAKFAST
700 North Street, 241-2104 With Charlie Parker’s receiving both local and national accolades, area residents and visitors alike often pack the quonset-style structure to consume the best breakfast in town. Even Mitt Romney made a visit. Not only are diners treated to delicious meals to start their day, the prices keep them coming back for more.

BEST ASIAN FOOD BEST SUSHI
Osaka Japanese Restaurant 1665 Wabash, 726-8037 It’s been three years since Osaka opened its doors in the capital city. Since then, they have dominated our best Asian and sushi categories. Upon entering the restaurant you immediately get the feel of the Far East.

BEST BBQ
2660 South Dirksen Parkway, 528-6410 If you have followed our BOS editions, then you know that Smokey Bones and Hickory River Smokehouse have been in a battle for best barbecue for quite some time. Last year, Smokey Bones beat Hickory River by only 44 votes.

BEST BUFFET
1038 Lejune Drive, 585-6830 It easy to see why Golden Corral keeps dominating this category. An “All-American Carving Station,” featuring hand-cut ham, beef, pork loin and roasted turkey, and grilled-to-order sirloin; soup and potato bar; Brass Bell...

BEST PIZZA
300 East Laurel, 528-9629 You’d be hard-pressed to find a Springfield native or longtime resident who hasn’t sunk their teeth into a gooey Gabatoni’s pizza. Gab’s has served customers for more than 50 years; some who move away from Springfield still have cravings.

BEST HORSESHOES
661 West Stanford, 492-8800 Earlier this year, our investigative food columnist Julianne Glatz settled the argument on who invented the horseshoe [See “The original horseshoe: The history of Springfield’s iconic food,” Feb. 2], but that delicacy was nothing like the horseshoe of today, served up so well and so often at D’Arcy’s Pint.

BEST VEGAN/VEGETARIAN
106 West Cook Street, 544-5786 If you’re a vegan/vegetarian looking for a place to make your tastebuds feel special, voters suggest you plan a pilgrimage to the Holy Land Diner, which serves six vegetarian/vegan salads, three appetizers and three sandwiches.

BEST FAST, CHEAP LUNCH BEST SUB
Head West Sub Stop 1124 West Jefferson, 793-9101 530 East Capitol, 789-9101 3311 Robbins Drive, 726-9202 1281 Toronto Road, 585-7990 2432 Denver Drive, 744-7990 7032 Kings Mill Court, 670-0111 With six locations across the capital city, whether you head north, south, east or west you’re sure to find the best sub in town.

BEST MEXICAN MEAL
2941 West Iles Avenue, 546-3116 3210 Northfield Drive, 544-9206 6901 Preston Drive, 483-1006 Craving a good ole Mexican meal? Voters say your best bet is Xochimilco, known for its delicious authentic dishes rivaling any you could find across the border.

BEST SALADS
2991 Veteran’s Parkway, 793-0381 Its motto is: “Hospitaliano!” which means, “providing 100 percent guest delight through a genuine Italian dining experience.” Well, our voters say Olive Garden salads are the most delightful salads in town.

BEST COFFEE SHOP
3200 East Clear Lake, 525-7759 745 Stevenson Drive, 753-2978 2003 West Wabash, 793-2193 3412 Freedom Drive, 787-0764 700 East Adams Street, 789-7098 3445 Freedom Drive, 546-5003 When it comes to coffee shops, Starbucks is leading the pack.

BEST SEAFOOD
2696 South Dirksen Parkway, 529-6900 It’s been quite awhile since we’ve frequented Red Lobster, opting instead to spend our dollars at locally-owned establishments. But BOS voters dubbed it the best seafood – with one indicating that “no one can beat Red Lobster for the variety of entrées offered” – we thought what the heck, give it a try.

BEST CHEF
1710 S. MacArthur Blvd., 744-7677 Reigning Best of Springfield chef Sean Keely grabs the title again this year by a large margin. What makes this guy stand out among the rest year after year? A patron says Keely’s truffle wings and carbonara are “absolutely to die for.

BEST RAP / HIP HOP BAND / ARTIST
Formed when rock band the Tipsy Gypsys connected with hip-hop collective Collabo, the colorful combination continues to hold court over all things rap and hip-hop in Springfield.

BEST SOUL FOOD
1121 East South Grand Avenue, 522-0386 Each morning, the owners and cooks of Clay’s Popeye’s Barbecue start the day with your everyday pots and pans. Then they add a little bit of this, a sprinkle of that, a pinch of this and a dash of that.

BEST BARTENDER
At the risk of blowing its cover, the Mahogany Bar and Grill at the Crowne Plaza hotel is one of those little-known scenes that those in the know relish keeping to themselves. That’s likely thanks to two of the bar’s wait staff, Marla Sparks and James Porter, who overwhelmed the voting for Best Bartender and Best Bar Server.

BEST FOOD SERVER
T.G.I. Friday’s 2100 W. White Oaks Drive, 698-1900 Notice the similarity of names on this page? Yes, our best food server happens to be married to the best bartender, Marla Sparks, above. Folks say Dan Sparks “takes great care of his tables.” Sparks’ honesty with people and his desire not to “lie to tables,” helps make him a hit.

BEST STEAK
2540 West Iles, 698-5700 For the past several years, Alexander’s Steakhouse has been declared best steak, though Texas Roadhouse has been in the running. With only an 11-vote margin, this year Texas Roadhouse has pulled a big upset, unseating Alexander’s to take the throne.

BEST DESSERTS
925 South Seventh St., 528-8548 Once again, Incredibly Delicious, lovingly referred to as sin city by some, dominated our best desserts category.

BEST MUSIC VENUE BEST BEER GARDEN
The Curve Inn 3219 South Sixth Street, Southern View, 529-5806 Listening to music outdoors is a fine idea, even if it’s only available seasonally here in central Illinois. The seasons didn’t stop our readers from designating the Curve Inn as the best beer garden and music venue.

BEST BAR FOOD BEST BAR FOR NETWORKING
Brickhouse Grill & Pub 3136 W. Iles Ave., 546-2745 217 S. 5th St., 679-1500 Previously a favorite among west-side residents, Brickhouse Grill & Pub expanded last year to a downtown location on Fifth Street and quickly made a name for itself in the bar scene.

BEST BEER SELECTION
617 E. Washington St., 525-6399 It is 3:30 p.m. on a Tuesday and we are thirsty. A poster of Farah Fawcett, same one that shocked our parents back in junior high school, provides a welcoming smile as we head past the Ms. Pac Man machine and toward the bar, an honest wooden bar that looks like it’s been here since the first Roosevelt was in office.

BEST KIDS MENU
4241 Conestoga Drive, 787-2809 At a glance it’s hard to see why voters chose O’Charley’s for best kids menu. We noticed that it has approximately the same number of entrées as many other restaurants. And there was nothing there that we hadn’t seen on other kids menus.

BEST WINE SELECTION
2930 Constitution Drive, 698-1116 For the second year running, readers have decreed Friar Tuck to have the best wine selection, and it’s hard to argue. Friar Tuck, which has seven outlets in Illinois and Missouri, prides itself on having the largest adult beverage selection available, and that is certainly the case in Springfield.

Sportsman’s Lounge
229 West Mason, 492-1110 Their website boasts of having the “best tenderloin in central Illinois.” Our voters can’t vouch for that, but they do proclaim that the Sportsman’s Lounge’s tenderloin is the best you can find in the capital city. If you place an order for a whole tenderloin (which costs $8.

BEST GAY BAR
306 East Washington St. - 525-0438 There are only a handful of places to dance in downtown Springfield, and that number drops precipitously when one rules out bars that are grimy, sticky or full of guys in MMA shirts. Of those remaining, Club Station House is probably the best.

BEST NEW BAND 2012
Our voters had impeccable taste in choosing this intensely hot country band, as this summer the group finished first in a national contest judged by country music industry hot shots.

BEST COUNTRY BAND / ARTIST
Solidly scoring more votes by hundreds than any other artist in any category, Still Kick’n reigns supreme as the best band, period.

BEST LOCAL ROCK BAND / ARTIST
Manned by a group of local music veterans, KFD brings a different ideal to the cover band in central Illinois. Pulling off songs as varied and tricky as Live and Let Die, Bennie and the Jets, Billy Jean and Don’t Do Me Like That, the rocking quintet goes to the extreme and eclectic when covering the covers.

BEST JAZZ GROUP / ARTIST
With strong, soaring vocals and a powerful stage presence, Debbie Ross rules the roost for soulful singing around town.

BEST BLUES BAND / ARTIST
He’s everywhere at once. He’s blues, rock, rock ’n’ roll and little bit country. He’s Hipbone Sam (aka Kevin Hawkins) and band, taking the central Illinois scene by storm.

BEST PLACE FOR KARAOKE
2660 West Lawrence Avenue, 787-6111 Go ahead and put these guys in the hall of fame already so someone else can win for a change. Once again Sluggo’s by far and away, claims the prize for the best place to sing that amazing Japanese import known as karaoke.

BEST FESTIVAL BEST LIVE MUSIC EVENT in the PAST 12 MONTHS
Old Capitol Blues & BBQs When it comes to festivals, central Illinois sure likes ’em and most use live music performances as an integral part of the program. No wonder then, readers combined the categories of Best Festival and Best Live Music Event in the Past 12 Months through the voting process.

BEST HIGH SCHOOL SHOW 2011/12 SEASON
Grease, SHG With the tallies all counted, the production of Grease.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE – MALE
What would our theater community be without the consistent and creative work of Gus Gordon? Fortunately for us, we’ll never know. Gordon again tops all performances by local actors, this time for his interpretation of Don Quixote in the Over the Moon Production of Man of La Mancha.

BEST DJ / MORNING RADIO SHOW
There was no doubt in the voting here. John Spaulding and Michelle Mitchell of WFMB’s “In the Morning” are by far the favorite morning radio show for Springfielders and readers of Illinois Times..

BEST LIVE THEATER VENUE / PRODUCTION
Understandably there was some confusion in this category over whether to vote for the venue or the production, but there was no confusion over the ultimate top vote-getter. The Muni outran the competition for best venue, receiving votes for every production this season with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

BEST FIREFIGHTER
Bill Beaty says being a firefighter was his childhood dream. “I like the work, I like helping people,” he says. “There’s a bit of an adrenaline rush at times. You get to ride in a big red truck and make lots of noise. We get to tear stuff up sometimes. It’s a little bit of everything.

BEST NEW LOCAL EVENT
1601 West Washington A curious choice at first glance to call a longtime sporting experience our best new local event. The folks who voted for this must have been thinking of the brand spanking new football stadium located on the West Campus of SHG.

BEST DESTINATION TO ENTERTAIN KIDS
1700 Knight’s Recreation Drive, 546-8881 Central Illinois loves Knight’s Action Park. And no wonder. Going strong for 45 years, the park continues to grow, providing more rides and features every few years. Families have always loved the water slides, lazy river and children’s pool in the water park.

BEST POLICE OFFICER
If you’re a law-breaking kid in Chatham, the best you can hope for is to be busted by Officer Mark Poani. Not only is he friendly and genuine, but part of his job is serving as an advocate for juveniles who are picked up by the Chatham Police.

BEST POLITICIAN
After being an elected official for more than half his life, first on the Sangamon County board, then in the state Senate, Sen. Larry Bomke is moving on. He was mapped out of the district that he has represented for nearly 18 years and the redrawing of the legislative map, he says, is reason enough to call it quits.

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS
Anyone who has read our past Best of Springfield editions knows exactly who Wes Barr is. He’s our perennial winner in this category, easily clenching it several years running. Barr, a fixture in the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, serves in so many volunteer roles that it’s hard to name them all.

BEST BUREAUCRAT
Springfield public works director OK, voters, let’s get one thing straight: A bureaucrat, by definition, is someone who works in government but not elected – you can look it up. That rules out state Sen. Larry Bomke, a fine fellow, but not a bureaucrat.

BEST LOCAL CHARACTER
Brad Jones of Springfield is no Roger Ebert, but the famous Chicago film critic was the inspiration for a just-regular-guy who has taken the Internet by storm as The Cinema Snob. Jones easily recalls his indignation several years ago while watching Ebert review Friday The 13th: The Final Chapter.

BEST GOVERNMENT MOUTHPIECE
Henry Haupt is the best in the business for several reasons. He returns phone calls pronto. He’s been known to answer calls from reporters even when he’s sick or on vacation. But the best thing Haupt does is get out of the way.

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER
Anyone who finds bodybuilders intimidating hasn’t met T.C. Roesch. While he jokes that he may look like a convict with this shaven head, bulging muscles and tattoo-covered arms, the exceedingly friendly personal trainer says the only thing he’ll beat you with is his Bible.

BEST HEALTH CLUB/GYM
If you’re looking to get in shape, FitClub has got you covered. With three locations and long hours (The west branch is open 24 hours during the week.), FitClub is probably the most accessible health outfit in the city. They have the latest high-tech equipment, pools at two locations, and lots of the more traditional weights and exercise machines.

BEST HIGH SCHOOL COACH
Derek Leonard, Rochester High School football coach, isn’t fast becoming a legend, he’s already arrived. The Rockets last year won their second consecutive state championship, and it’s looking good this fall as Leonard’s team opened the season with a 7-1 record.

BEST ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANIZATION
This one wasn’t close, and for good reason. The APL has been saving dogs and cats in Sangamon County for more than five decades. It adds up to tens of thousands of creatures that would likely be dead but for the kindness of folks who can’t bear the thought of putting the needle to healthy would-be pets.

BEST DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Tracey Sims considers the secret to her success talented teachers and students whom she cheers on as if they were her own. Her big family, as she calls them, includes 20 instructors, more than 400 students, two sisters who pitch in and mom Miss Annie who helps keep the books.

QUIRKIEST PLACE TO TAKE A VISITOR
Perhaps the quirkiest thing about the Cozy Dog Drive-In is that it is not, in fact, a drive-in, no matter what the sign out front says. There are no car hops, no covered areas with speakers from which you can order without getting out of your car.

GREENEST BUSINESS
Eat from the fruits of the greener side of life at Food Fantasies. Every item in this environmentally friendly and socially conscious store supports quality and sustainable living. Food Fantasies is a wonderland of the gluten-free, the organic or the all-natural.

BEST DJ / TALK RADIO
Being a continual winner in this category proves Jim Leach gets listened to by our readers – whether they agree with him is another story.

BEST SCHOOLTEACHER
Even from a young age, Aaron Kunz knew he wanted to coach sports, but it wasn’t until a high school math teacher inspired him that Kunz developed a passion for teaching. Originally from New Berlin, Kunz has been teaching math and coaching football at Williamsville High School for about 15 years.

BEST BICYCLE SHOP
Ace celebrated its 55th year in business this year, and at the rate they’re going, this place will be in business for another half-century at least. The shop has bikes for every niche – road racing, touring, triathlon, just tooling around town – but it is especially known for its selection of BMX gear.

BEST FRESH FISH AND MEAT
Fish and visitors smell in three days, Ben Franklin once said, but there are no smells at Robert’s Seafood Market aside from the fresh scent of the sea.

BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
For United Community Bank, banking is about making the community better. Known affectionately by customers as simply “UCB,” the bank earned numerous positive comments from BOS voters, including several lauding its friendly customer service. One even called it the “best banking institution ever.

BEST PET BOARDING
2508 W. Jefferson St., 793-3647 With Dal Acres having 53 years of experience in the pet care industry, it’s no wonder voters chose them as the best place to board a pet. Owners Glenn and Pat Hudspeth say they love animals, and it’s evident in the clean, comfortable accommodations they offer for pets.

BEST PET GROOMING
If your pets look good, you look good, and Petsmart has pet grooming down cold. Not only do they stock pet products ranging from ferret deodorizer to hedgehog brushes, but they offer extensive grooming services that you can watch through a large viewing window.

BEST CHIROPRACTOR
Advanced Center for Pain and Rehab 2060 West Washington St., 787-8200 If you’re skeptical about chiropractors, Dr. Paul Venturini will make a believer out of you. He was voted Best Chiropractor last year, too, and he’s been in practice since 1989.

BEST VETERINARY CLINIC
Cathy Curry calls Laketown Animal Hospital a “one-stop shop” for animal health, and it certainly seems that way. Curry is administrator of the hospital, which opened way back in 1961. They offer medical, dental and surgical care for pets, in addition to emergency care, boarding and grooming.

BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Any way you look at it, these two Ahh Yoga owners and instructors are winners. Loved by students, one describes our 2012 Best Yoga Instructor Aasne Daniels (a Norwegian family name pronounced OS-ney) with a single word, expert. That expertise involves ardor and dedication.

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Kari Bedford is one of those people everyone likes. She’s a people person. Beautiful and kind of disposition, all her good traits have carried over into her work at Kari Bedford Photography. She shoots weddings and senior-class photographs that capture a mood or character to a tee.

BEST BARBERSHOP
Dave Beggs and Phil Tackett are the men of Beggs Barbershop. And they are men’s men – ready with a quip and a smirk. “Dave always remembers your name … or at least he pretends to!” writes one patron. “Real guys,” “Dave rocks,” “Dave Beggs is the king!” are a few other comments.

BEST HAIR STYLIST
Born and raised in Springfield, Josh Oldridge always thought he’d find himself in the medical profession. Work in a hospital, schooling and other career paths did not click. That’s until the day in conversation with a friend, Dan confessed to his buddy and himself, that he might like to be a hair stylist.

BEST TATTOO /PIERCING STUDIO
This is the fourth year in a row that New Age Tattoos has been voted the best tattoo and piercing shop. Owner Jason Lee attributes the shop’s winning streak to its cleanliness, customer service and totally unique artwork. They don’t do any pre-drawn “flash” tattoos, so everyone who comes in for ink gets their own custom design.

BEST GARBAGE HAULER
Where did the Lone Ranger take Tonto? Cue up the William Tell Overture: Ta-da-dump, ta-da-dump, ta-da-dump, dump dump. Let’s face it, garbage all ends up at the same place, it’s how the journey is made that counts.

BEST REASON TO VOTE
The vote-counters profess themselves perplexed: How can something be both a right and a privilege? With most other things, it is one or the other. Driving, for instance – that’s a privilege, and if you think it’s a right, try racing around at 90 mph without a valid license and see how long you stay out of jail.

BEST SCANDAL
This one wasn’t close. By a four-to-one margin, readers voted the apparent collapse of THR and Associates the top scandal over second-place finisher, the mayor’s music curfew. It’s easy to see why.

BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO SPRINGFIELD THIS YEAR
Sorry, but readers who decreed that Scheels was the best thing to happen to Springfield this year are wrong and a little late: We have nothing against the bigger-thanlife sporting goods store, but it opened in the summer of 2011, not during the past year.

BEST USE OF TAXPAYER FUNDS
With the growing popularity of cycling, running and walking, it’s no surprise that bike paths have become a popular use of tax money. With 459 votes, bike paths easily beat education and repair of sidewalks and streets for “best use of taxpayer funds.” (Some curmudgeonly voters claim there’s no such thing.

BEST PLACE TO FIND A BARGAIN
Ron Kanoski, the personal injury lawyer who urges television viewers to give him a call so he can help, has good taste. We know, because we have his raincoat. It’s a Burberry trench, way nicer than struggling journalists should be able to afford. We found it at Goodwill, complete with the receipt from a bar tab in the pocket.

BEST REASON TO TAKE A DETOUR
What do you do with an intersection that is home to more than two dozen accidents in any given year? Nothing, if your name is the City of Springfield.

BEST PLACE FOR A WEDDING RECEPTION
Erin’s Pavilion has it all. Want to walk to the reception? No problem, the pavilion has a terrace that’s perfect for ceremonies, complete with a beautiful lake in the background. Time it right, get lucky with the weather and a spectacular sunset will add a glow of romance.

BEST PUBLIC ART
H.D. Smith Gallery finds its home on the first floor of the Hoogland Center for the Arts. This elegant fine arts gallery with light-colored wood floors and soft ample ceiling and window lighting is run by the nonprofit Prairie Art Alliance, an arts gallery and school.

BEST GOOD DEED
A year ago, the Great Western Depot where Abraham Lincoln bade farewell to Springfield after being elected president was in limbo. The State Journal-Register,.

MOST MISSED CLOSED BUSINESS
A year after Aubrey Caitie Barker died in a traffic accident, we still miss horseshoes made with jalepeno corn bread and barbecued pork added to macaroni and cheese. Her namesake restaurant in downtown Springfield was one of a kind, and when those sorts of places disappear, they are not easily replaced.

Activity 4 a bore
Picking up on a plot thread left dangling from the first film, the story gets off to an improbable start. A family in Nevada gets new neighbors and before long they have taken in the young boy of the clan, Robby (Brady Allen), after his mother is taken to the hospital and it’s found out they have no relatives nearby.

Not so sweet Halloween treats
• Hard-boiled eggs, shelled • Black food coloring • Mayonnaise • Turmeric, optional • Dijon mustard • Cider vinegar • Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste • Extra large pimento-stuffed green olives (or smaller ones if your eggs are small).

PUB CRAWL
Dates, times and locations are subject to change, so we suggest calling before attending an event..

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Ray Wylie Hubbard
Unfortunately many folks, not from the great state of Texas and not into the intense singer-songwriter-Americana scene that sustains and supports songwriting there as an art to be experienced and believed, don’t know of Ray Wylie Hubbard.

Springfield’s role in preserving the dead
Before the Civil War, embalming was mainly done in America by medical men seeking to preserve corpses for anatomical study. It wasn’t until the outbreak of the Civil War, when tens of thousands of soldiers died on battlefields far from home, that embalming came into fashion as a means of preserving bodies before burial.

Halloweening and how
This Sunday, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Robbie’s (thanks Archie!), musicians, family and friends gather to celebrate the life of John Henry Johnson. Born Dec. 3, 1954 and passing recently on Oct.

THEATER | Out-of-this-world tryst
Halloween in Springfield is not complete without the Rocky Horror Show..

THE CALENDAR
Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes, so we suggest calling before attending events..

HOLIDAY | Awe-inspiring tribute
Organ music and electronic lighting that are dramatic, evocative and perhaps a little eerie, accompanied by expressive dance, work together to commemorate All Saints’ Day.

THEATER | Comedy of heir-ors
Tartuffe opens at University of Illinois Springfield Studio Theater Oct. 26 igniting the 2012-2013 season for the UIS theater department. Six performances showcase this comedy by Moliere, twice banned in the 17th century as sacrilegious, and brought to light in a contemporary translation by Ranjit Bolt.

THE CALENDAR
Arkansas’ Funniest Person of 2010. $12.50. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233..